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You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre for face-to face information and advice, phone the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.

Mortgage arrears: contacting your lender

The most important thing to do if you think you are likely to fall into mortgage arrears is to contact your mortgage lender and let them know the situation. Our document on mortgage arrears gives some information on your options.

Mortgage arrears and consumer protection codes

Lenders must abide by specified codes of conduct in dealing with people who have problems paying their mortgage. These codes of conduct provide protection for borrowers. Read more in our documents on mortgage arrears and consumer protection codes and the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process.

The Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP)

Under the Central Bank's Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears (CCMA), lenders must operate a Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP) with customers who are in mortgage arrears or who are likely to fall into mortgage arrears (pre-arrears). Read more about the steps involved in the MARP.

Social Welfare payment: Mortgage Interest Supplement

Tax relief: mortgage interest relief

Tax relief on mortgage interest payments is no longer available for mortgages taken out after 31 December 2012, but if your mortgage started before this date, you are probably already claiming the relief. Find out more about mortgage interest relief.

Mortgage protection and mortgage repayment policies

Most private residential mortgages are covered by a mortgage protection policy, which comes into play in the event of your death. You may also have a mortgage repayment policy or some other form of insurance that offers financial support if you lose your job or otherwise experience a fall in income. Read more about insurance protection on mortgages.

Rent-a-room scheme

You may be able to earn some extra income to help with your mortgage repayments if you have a spare room or rooms in your home. Under the Rent-a-room scheme, if you rent out a room (or rooms) in your own home to private tenants, up to €12,000 of your rental income in any tax year will be exempt from income tax, subject to certain conditions.

Selling your home and voluntary surrender ('handing back the keys')

If you sell your home and the sale does not cover the outstanding mortgage on the home, you should note that you will still owe the difference to the lending institution. Find out more about some of the implications if you sell or voluntarily surrender your home.

Mortgage-to-rent scheme

Under the national mortgage-to-rent scheme, people who are having trouble paying their mortgages can switch from owning their home to renting their home as social tenants. If you take up the mortgage-to-rent option, you will no longer own your home or have any financial interest in it. Find out more about the mortgage-to-rent scheme.